#USA #New York #Alzheimer's Disease #Caregivers #FAIR Health

Introduction

FAIR Health, a national independent nonprofit organization, has launched a new shared decision-making tool focused on Alzheimer’s disease. This initiative is funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) and aims to assist older adults and their caregivers in making informed decisions regarding care options. With the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s, characterized by progressive cognitive decline, the necessity for transparent and accessible information has never been greater.

Empowering Families

The new tool offers a plethora of resources free of charge, including clinical information about self-care and pharmacological treatment options, as well as an overview of associated costs. The decision-making tool includes educational resources and printable checklists designed to facilitate discussions between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Users can access these resources on the FAIR Health website dedicated to older adults, available in both English and Spanish at fairhealtholderadults.org.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, leading to significant challenges not only for the affected individuals but also for their families. The financial burden of managing care for Alzheimer's patients has become increasingly challenging, making it essential for families to access objective information to help guide their care planning. The shared decision-making tools foster collaboration between patients and providers, offering an evidence-based approach to health decisions that respect individual preferences and values.

Comprehensive Care Options

The decision-making tool provides a comprehensive overview of both self-care and pharmacotherapy options. Some highlighted self-care approaches include:

• - Maintaining a balanced diet
• - Engaging in regular physical exercise
• - Participating in cognitive exercises
• - Regular medication reviews with healthcare professionals
• - Addressing comorbid conditions that may affect memory and cognition

For pharmacological therapy, the tool outlines three types of treatments:

• - Cholinesterase inhibitors
• - Memantine
• - Monoclonal antibodies

This array of information ensures that families have a well-rounded understanding of available options, enhancing their ability to make informed choices.

Supporting Quality Care

This new addition to FAIR Health's shared decision-making tools complements previous resources focused on high-quality, age-appropriate care, underscored by the framework of the “4 Ms” of geriatric care: what matters, medications, mind, and mobility. By prioritizing patient and family values while discussing clinical care options related to cognition, the tool aims to serve as a valuable reference during care discussions with healthcare providers.

Easy Access to Resources

Utilizing the shared decision-making tool, families can access supplementary resources, including:

• - Annual cost estimates for Alzheimer’s care and services
• - Printable checklists with useful tips and questions to discuss with providers
• - Links to relevant articles offering foundational insurance information
• - Connections to organizations and programs providing caregiver support
• - Online tools that assist families in locating services in their area

This wealth of information equips families with the necessary knowledge to navigate care options effectively and explore potential financial assistance and resources, when needed.

National Distribution and Collaboration

Through this initiative funded by JAHF, FAIR Health is disseminating these free Alzheimer’s-related tools and resources nationwide. Collaborations with four clinical institutions recognized as